Anne Elizabeth (Betty Mullen) Ford, 79, of Whittier, CA, formerly of Janesville, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007, at home in Whittier. Anne was born to Harry and Mae (Martin) Mullen on July 5, 1928, in Milton Junction, and grew up on the family farm. Following graduation from Milton Union High School in 1946, Anne earned a degree from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, Janesville, in 1949, and practiced nursing there until 1958. Anne married Connor T. Ford of Janesville, on May 17, 1952, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Janesville, and their family soon grew to include Mary Anne, Kathleen, Margaret (1956-1958) and Tom. In 1958, the family moved to Whittier, CA, where two more daughters were born, Theresa and Helen. For a time, Anne was a busy mother and homemaker, supporting her children through PTAs, scouting, and foreign exchange programs. She was also an excellent vacation planner, organizing train trips to Wisconsin, camping trips at west coast beaches, and road trips to various national parks and landmarks. In 1976, Anne completed a sequence of refresher courses and passed the California Board of Registered Nursing licensing exam. She resumed her career at St. Jude Hospital in Fullerton, CA, and worked there until 1993.

In retirement, Anne and Connor often combined their interests in travel and music. They visited Ireland, three times to trace their roots and experience the céilís, and they took countless trips throughout California, following their favorite jazz musicians to weekend festivals. Anne made friends for life and enjoyed sending birthday and anniversary cards to everyone from grade school playmates to new neighbors. An inveterate multi-tasker, she often followed a soap opera while cutting recipes from magazines, shopping from catalogs, or skillfully completing pieces of needlework. More than anything, though, Anne loved having grandchildren. She would shop, cook, bake, and decorate the house for them for every possible occasion throughout the year. And she liked nothing better than to play board games and cards with them. She was tough to beat, especially at gin rummy.

Anne died leaving her husband of 55 years, Connor; her children: Mary Anne Ford of Lake Forest, CA, Kathleen Ford of Orange, CA, Tom Ford of Oakland, CA, Theresa McKinley of Rialto, CA, and Helen Ford of Huntington Beach, CA; her son-in-law, Phil Dion; her daughter-in-law, Ellen Ford; her grandchildren: Monica, Barry and Kyle Moore and Connor Ford; and her beloved dog, Fritz. In addition, at the time of her death, Anne left her sister, Genevieve Coleman of Union City, CA; her sister-in-law, Pat Mullen of Janesville; her sister and brother-in-law, Kathryn and Jim Marchant of Janesville; many nieces and nephews; and extended family and scores of friends. Anne was preceded in death by her daughter, Margaret; her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Vi Mullen; her brother, John Mullen; and her brother-in-law, Ralph Coleman.

A Funeral Mass for Anne and Connor will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, at NATIVITY OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, Janesville, with Fr. Dave Timmerman officiating. Burial will follow at ST. MARY’S CEMETERY, Milton. Visitation will be at the CHURCH on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial donations may be made to America’s Finest City Dixieland Jazz Society, P.O. Box 880387, San Diego, CA 92168 or to Nativity of Mary Parish Capital Improvement Fund, 313 E. Wall St, Janesville, WI, 53545. SCHNEIDER APFEL SCHNEIDER & SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is assisting the family.